Adam Smith: A Very Short Introduction

Business & Finance, Economics, Theory of Economics
Cover of the book Adam Smith: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher J. Berry, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher J. Berry ISBN: 9780191087295
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: October 18, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Christopher J. Berry
ISBN: 9780191087295
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: October 18, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

In 1776 Adam Smith (1723-90) wrote The Wealth of Nations , a book so foundational it has led to him being called the 'father of economics'. Today he is associated with the promotion of self-interest, a defence of greed and a criticism of any governmental 'interference' in market transactions which, if left to the 'invisible hand', will produce prosperity and liberty. Yet if Smith is actually read these associations are more a caricature than a faithful portrait. In this Very Short Introduction, Christopher Berry offers a balanced and nuanced view of this seminal thinker, embedding his fierce defence of free trade, competition, and assault on special interests in contemporary European history, politics, and philosophy. As Berry explores, Smith was far more than an economist. His book The Theory of Moral Sentiment, offered a complex account of ethics in the context of human social behaviour. His scope as a professor at the University of Glasgow, a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment, was extensive. Beyond courses in philosophy and jurisprudence he also gave classes covering history, literature, and language. In addition to his two major works he also wrote a pioneering study of the history of astronomy as an illustration of the motivations that drive humans to seek answers to questions. He produced, again derived from his Glasgow classroom, an analysis of the development of grammar and language. As Christopher Berry shows, Adam Smith was no narrow thinker, but rather one who produced not only one of the greatest books in the history of social science, but also a wide-ranging body of work that remains significant today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1776 Adam Smith (1723-90) wrote The Wealth of Nations , a book so foundational it has led to him being called the 'father of economics'. Today he is associated with the promotion of self-interest, a defence of greed and a criticism of any governmental 'interference' in market transactions which, if left to the 'invisible hand', will produce prosperity and liberty. Yet if Smith is actually read these associations are more a caricature than a faithful portrait. In this Very Short Introduction, Christopher Berry offers a balanced and nuanced view of this seminal thinker, embedding his fierce defence of free trade, competition, and assault on special interests in contemporary European history, politics, and philosophy. As Berry explores, Smith was far more than an economist. His book The Theory of Moral Sentiment, offered a complex account of ethics in the context of human social behaviour. His scope as a professor at the University of Glasgow, a major centre of the Scottish Enlightenment, was extensive. Beyond courses in philosophy and jurisprudence he also gave classes covering history, literature, and language. In addition to his two major works he also wrote a pioneering study of the history of astronomy as an illustration of the motivations that drive humans to seek answers to questions. He produced, again derived from his Glasgow classroom, an analysis of the development of grammar and language. As Christopher Berry shows, Adam Smith was no narrow thinker, but rather one who produced not only one of the greatest books in the history of social science, but also a wide-ranging body of work that remains significant today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Conflict Management in Organizations by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book The Political Economy of the Investment Treaty Regime by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book A Guide to Battles by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Husserl's Legacy by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Regional Anaesthesia, Stimulation, and Ultrasound Techniques by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Paris Tales by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book An Introduction to Empirical Legal Research by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Kinds of Reasons by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Risk and Liquidity by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Climate-Challenged Society by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Hindenburg by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Sikh Studies by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Jezebel's Daughter by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Second Treatise of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration by Christopher J. Berry
Cover of the book Vertical Agreements in EU Competition Law by Christopher J. Berry
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy